Caiman Croc Views
The Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus), also known as the White Caiman or Common Caiman, is a crocodilian reptile found in much of Central and South America. It lives in a range of lowland wetland and riverine habitat types and can tolerate salt water as well as fresh; due in part to this adaptability it is the most common of all crocodilian species. Males of the species are generally 2 to 2.5 metres (6.6 to 8.2 ft), while females are smaller, usually around 1.4a metres (4.6n ft).[1] The species' common name comes from a bony ridge between the eyes, which gives the appearance of a pair of spectacles[2]. They have been known to change color. During colder weather the black pigment, found within their skin cells, will expand making them darker[3].
Caimans eat a variety of invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, mollusks). The larger caimans will eat fish and water snails[24]. Older animals are capable of taking larger, mammalian prey (e.g. wild pigs). Observations show that as conditions become drier, caimans stop feeding. In areas where this species has become depleted, fish populations have also shown a decline. Until recently, it was thought that the Caiman crocodilus would over eat the fish and snail populations[25]. Some sugest that they control piranha numbers. However, Piranha's have not been found to be a normal meal[26]. TheC. yacare does demonstrate this particular dietary preference. In reality, it is likely that C. crocodilus is very much a generalist and adaptive predator, given its ecological success. They are virtually harmless to humans, although they may bite if harassed.
Pliability and durability are what makes the alligator a superior and classic leather. Alligator and crocodile leathers are pliable. Caiman have bony plates in the skin, which dramatically decreases the pliability of the leather. When caiman leather is creased cracks appear between the plates. Click on the image to see a close-up of this quality.
The belly scales of the alligator and crocodile are smooth and pliable. This smoothness and the homogenous nature of alligator and crocodile skins allows dyes to distibute evenly in the leather. The bony deposits in the caiman skin will not allow dyes to distribute evenly and causes crinkling in the belly scales. If you see splotchy patterns in the dye, then you are looking at caiman.
Caiman Croc Images
